The summer comes again with its blazes of glory. With it, the continuation of the Wild Stars: Sunshine series.

I also want to wish a Happy Shiny Birthday to Ohara Mari.

Here is the next chapter.

I do not own Love Live.

What is this?

Those words floated in their minds as Chika, You, and Riko were standing at the entrance of an empty room filled with dust and clutter. It was half the space of a normal classroom. As part of establishing their club, they were given a room for their base of operations.

It looks like it hasn't been cleaned for years, Chika said with a dejected expression.

It can't be helped since this was sudden, Riko said.

The clubroom was designated the same day that the club was approved by Director Mari.

Well, it's not gonna to get any cleaner if we just stand here, You said as the three of them rolled up their sleeves and started to clean up.

After half of a hour of cleaning, they were able to make the room presentable.

Now that we have a clubroom, we need to come up with a name for our little group, Chika said as the three of them were sitting on their respective chairs.

A name? You said.

Of course. It has to be unique and something that people will remember, Chika said.

As the three spend time bouncing around words…..

Aqours? Riko said.

Yeah, Chika said. Doesn't that name give you a feeling of what we are trying to do for our town?

It is definitely unique and I kinda like the sound of it, You said.

To Riko, Aqours gave her the impression of the nautical nature of the town and the feelings of warmth and unity that it brings.

But people may not know just by the name since it's not obviously at first, Riko said.

Then we can do this if they ask, Chika said as she went to the chalkboard and jutted down each word of the name. Under each word, she wrote a trailing word of the following:

[Aqours – A Quest Of Uchira Restoration Society]

That's kinda…, Riko said looking at You who had the same expression.

I know, right? Chika said happily, oblivious to the You and Riko's misgivings.

That meaning aside, I think Aquors sound fitting for what we want to do, You said.

And I think we show our goals to others through our activities, Riko said, nodding her head.

Then, it's decided. We are Aqours, Chika said proudly.

By the time they were done, it was getting late, so they left the school and walk to the bus stop.

The next day, the three were in the classroom after classes were done.

So we have a clubroom and name. What's the next step? You said.

I wonder if we should find more members for our club, Riko said.

In this school, clubs and organizations must have at least 5 active members. Currently there are only three of them.

Then, we should make a flyer for recruiting new members, Chika said.

Actually, there is something I am doing today, so I won't be able to help make the flyer, Riko said as she puts her books in her bag.

Chika and You look at each other before asking.

What are you doing, Riko-chan? Chika said.

We can help you if you like, You said.

Well…. Riko said.

You guys didn't have to do this, Riko said.

The second-years were in the music room, cleaning up the sole piano of the place.

What are you saying? Chika said as she uses a dry cloth to wipe the dust off the side of the piano. We couldn't leave you doing this all by yourself.

It was nice for the student council president to give you permission to use the piano, You said as she was cleaning the piano keys.

Before at the student council office, Riko asked if she could use the piano that was sitting in the music room. While confused about the request, Dia agreed for Riko to use it as long as she took care of the instrument.

Although the piano was old and hadn't been used recently, it was in good condition. It just needed some TLC.

As an avid piano player, Riko was also familiar with maintaining and tuning a piano.

By the time they were finished, most of the faculty and students left, the school mostly empty.

Cleaning is complete, ready for playing, You said.

Thank you. You-chan. Chika-chan, Riko said with a smile as she gently sits on the bench. Using her fingers, she lightly touch the keys, making a few sounds when the keys were pushed down.

Ne, Riko-chan. Why don't you play something? You said at the side of the piano.

Eh? Riko said, who looks surprised by the sudden request.

Actually, the truth is that I heard music coming from your house, Chika said.

Is that so? Riko said as the revelation that someone was paying attention made her blush slightly. I-I don't mind. Any request?

I don't know. Anything you like, Chika said.

Well…. There was something I have been working, but it's still in progress, Riko said. Not only that, but the Hyou was nervous at the idea of playing in front of people.

Then why don't you show us what you have done so far and we can give feedback, You said.

O-Ok, Riko said, seeing that they were not going to back down.

Scuttling herself to the middle of the bench, the Hyou closed her eyes and breath in deeply, fingers on the keys of the piano. The other two stood on the side of the piano, waiting patiently. After letting out the air from her lungs and opening her eyes, to make a chord that signals the start of her ballad.

The moment that she started to play, Chika and You watch in silent, their eyes widened and bodies tense up as a rich and alluring music filled the room.

It was the song that Riko was working on since living in Uchira. (Omoi yo Hitotsu ni Nare)

The music lasted about three minutes. As Riko finish her work, she let out a sigh that releases the spell of the song.

Pat Pat Pat Pat

The sound of clapping reaches the girls as they look at the entrance to see three other girls. It was Kanan with Mari and Dia standing behind her.

Wow. That was pretty amazing, Kanan said as they walk towards the second years.

I know, right?! Chika said.

I had no idea you are that good at the piano, You said.

H-How long were you standing there? Riko said. The Hyou didn't notice their presence while playing.

We didn't see you at your club room, so we went to look you guys when we heard the song, Kanan said.

Bravo! Bravo! Encore! Mari said in a loud voice.

That was indeed impressive, Dia said. When you said you wanted to use piano, I didn't know what to think, but that performance just now was splendid. If you don't mind, I was wondering if you would help out in school events with your skills.

I-If you are fine with me although I don't know if I will be much of help, Riko said.

With Riko-chan, I bet it will be a success, Chika said.

Unbeknownst to the girls, there was a figure watching them from the hallway.

T-That girl…

The following day, the girls just arrived to the clubroom when they were approached by a student wearing a first-year uniform in the hallway.

Suddenly, the person prostrated herself before the girls, taking them by surprise.

It was the person that Riko ran into, twice, Tsushima Yoshiko.

Ono, why are you bowing like that? Chika said as the three were uncomfortable at the younger girl's stance.

I have come to gain an audience with the one with the crimson hair, Yoshiko said as she rises her head and stares at Riko. I have come to make a contract with the one. Please make me this fallen angel your student.

Caught off guard, Chika and You could only stare at Riko, who was just as confused and surprised as they were.

Riko-chan what did you do? Chika said.

I-I don't know either, Riko said.

P-Please. Yohane must pay back the life debt to you, Yoshiko said with a compelling tone.

What do you mean? You said.

After inviting the younger girl into the clubroom, the four were sitting around the table, the second-year on one side and the first-year on the other, where they introduced themselves.

I heard about what it happened on that day, Yoshiko said as the painful memories makes her face cringe. It was you who saved me along with my little demons from that monster. I believe that it was fate that we were supposed to meet.

I see. You wanted to return the favor to Riko for saving your life, You said.

But you don't need to pay me back, Riko said, trying to decline the offer.

I cannot accept that! For this fallen angel, kindness must be given back ten-fold. There must be something… Yoshiko said defiantly before looking at the sign in front of the room. Aqours? What is that?

That is the name of our club, obviously, Chika said.

I can see that, but why that name? Yoshiko said slightly tilting her head. More importantly, what is this club about?

Well, we created this club to figure out how to keep our town from disappearing, You said.

To help us out, we have Riko-chan, who came from another country, to give us some ideas, Chika said.

Chika-chan, I thought that we already talk about this, Riko said with a glare at the Inu.

Another… country? Yoshiko blink a few times before looking at Riko. Could it be you're… a foreigner?!

That's right, I just moved here from a place called Mori a few weeks ago, Riko said.

What a strange coincidence. To tell you the truth, I too moved from Numazu and it will be my first year in this school, Yoshiko said.

Ne, Yoshiko-chan. If you really want to, then you can join our club. That way, you can spend time learning more about Riko-chan and her country, Chika said.

It's Yohane! Yoshiko retorted before thinking about something. Hmmmm, That is a rather interesting proposal. Is there any trials that Yohane make overgo to prove herself?

I think you just need to fill out a membership application, You said.

Also, you don't have to do anything if you don't want to, Riko said.

Yeah, we are pretty much going at our own pace, like a go home club, Chika said.

An anarchistic society that will determine the fate and future of this town… Yoshiko said. Then Yohane will gladly honor Aqours with her grace.

Yay! We got our first member! Chika said she quickly gave Yoshiko a membership application and ink pen.

As Yoshiko took the time to fill out the form to join their club, the other girls brought up that incident.

I got to admit. The way you blasted that monster with those flames looked so cool, You said.

Oh! I just remembered. What was that giant cat that you were on when you fought that monster? Chika said.

Oh. You mean Mi-kei? Well, you can say he was a companion of me? Riko said with a wry smile.

But, how did he get here? I don't remember you ever bringing him. We would have noticed such a big cat in this town, You said.

Are all the cats in Mori that huge and wild? Chika said.

First. Of. All. Mi-kei is not a cat. He is known as a war panther in my country. Second of all, I brought Mi-kei here by using [Summon], so he has to return to his place after finishing his purpose, Riko said.

Summon you say, the dark-haired girl said with a shocked expression. This fallen angel wants to know more. Could it be that creature is your familiar?

Mi-kei is not just my companion, but everyone who lives at my district, Riko said as she explained.

The Hyou tribe's territory is divided into multiple districts and each of them have a least one war panther. This trend came from the aftermath years ago. Mi-kei was one of three panthers in her district.

That sounds so cool, Chika said.

But I was only able to do all that because I have control of my aura, Riko said. Most of everyone in my country can use it.

Aura? What is that? Chika said.

Basically, it's the source that all living things have, Riko said.

Seeing the three confused, Riko sigh softly.

It's not something I can explain. It would be better to show you, but this is not something I can do at school, Riko said.

Oh! I know some places in Uchira where you can show us your stuff, Chika said with a cheery tone.

Ku, Ku, Ku. Yohane also hopes to learn techniques from another country, Yoshiko said.

…Maybe when we have the time, Riko said, her shoulders droop as the three were excited.

Somehow, the rest of the day went on with discussing further about Riko's abilities before they left the school in the late afternoon. Surprisingly, while on their way to the bus stop, the second years found out that Yoshiko uses the bus to get to school and back, the same as You. Because of that, Chika and Riko saw the two off before making their way to their homes.

So tell me again what we're doing here.

It was the weekends, so there was no school. However, Riko told Chika, Yoshiko, and You that she had plans despite their desire to see Riko in action.

Riko and Chiba were at a sandy beach in a remote place away from the buildings and people.

While previously discussing measures to protect against future attacks, Chiba thought it would best to practice since the two of us have experience with fighting. Chiba's companions were watching from a safe distance and wouldn't take part in the training out of courtesy of the Hyou.

I was curious about your current level, so this would be a good way to test ourselves, Chiba said.

You told me to bring my weapon, but this is the only one I have….. Riko said.

The Hyou was holding a black whip with a purple shard-like tip at one end and roped handle at the other.

That is a rather interesting weapon of choice, Chiba said. Actually, how were you able to bring something like that to the country?

It was actually a gift from my mentor back at Mori although I hadn't had the chance to practice, Riko said. Even though we are practicing, this is a bit much. Also, I don't see you with a weapon, so wouldn't it be unfair to you, Chiba?

I appreciate your concern, but don't worry too much. You see, my body is a weapon, Chiba said as his body starts to glow as it slow starts to change form.

C-Chiba. T-That…. Riko said, who was surprised.

After the light fades, a hulking white wolf was standing on its two feet in front of the Hyou.

If we're going to deal with whatever comes to this town, then we have to be willing to fight at our best, Chiba said. So please don't hold back, Riko, because I won't.

Well, if you're fine with it, Riko said with a serious expression as the two assume their battle positions.

Minutes after they started, the Hyou finds herself pinned on the sand by the Ookami, their faces inches away from each other.

Haa, haa, you really didn't hold back, did you? Riko said, who was breathing heavily.

Enemies normally won't go easy on you, Chiba said with a smug look. You weren't bad either.

As Riko tries to figure out her next move…..

AAAAHHHHHHHH

A distant yell was coming from somewhere that seem to be getting closer and louder.

Do you hear something? Chiba said, lifting her head upward, his ears perking up.

Actually, it sounds like….

Before Riko could finish, a sudden force with ashen-gray hair slammed into the Ookami's body.

Ah, Chiba let out a surprised yelp as he fell along with the younger girl.

Y-You-chan! Riko said in surprise, before being dragged away from the crash site by Chika.

Are you alright, Riko-chan?! Chika said frantically as Chiba nonchalantly stood up with You on his back, gripping his head.

Chika! Take Riko away from here! You said as she wraps her arms around the Ookami's neck.

Ow, Chiba said.

Wait! Stop! Riko said.

B-But that monster tried to attack you, Chika said, pointing at the Ookami.

But that's not a monster, he is….

After Riko explained to the two about their training, things calmed down.

The four of them were sitting on the sand. By then, Chiba returned back to his normal form.

It's been awhile since I used that form, Chiba said, stretching out his arms. I'm sorry if I scared you two.

Riko-chan, who is he? Chika said.

My name is Inuzama Chiba, an Ookami and an acquaintance to Riko, Chiba said formally. You may not remember it, but I came to the school after the incident.

Is that so? What is your relationship with Riko-chan? You said.

We both came from Mori, and our tribes live within the same area and on good terms, Chiba said.

That makes sense, but what's with that appearance? Chika said.

Oh. That. That was my standard form whenever I use [Henshin], Chiba said, scratching his chin.

Eh? [Henshin]? Chika said, tilting her head.

It's a special skill unique to Mori, Chiba said.

Riko-chan, Why didn't you let us know about your practice? You said.

It's not that I didn't want to. It's just… Riko said as she tries explain her hesitation.

I do kinda understand where Riko is coming from, Chiba explained. She knows just how dangerous things can get in a battle. I'm sure she doesn't want her friends to see her hurt and vice versa, even for practice purposes.

Is that true? You said.

Riko nodded in response.

But Riko-chan. You are risking your life for our sake and the town. Do you really think we are going to sit back and let you? Chika said as she stands up. Even if we don't have any fancy techniques like you do, I want to help protect this town as much as you do.

We are in this together and won't take no for an answer, so let us help you, You said with a salute.

You have made some nice friends, Riko, Chiba said with a gentle expression. Well, if you two really want to get involved, then Riko should be the one to take the initiative in talking about aura and its uses. They deserve at least much.

…I don't see a problem, Riko said, who looks at You and Chika. But just because I show you what I can do doesn't guarantee that it will be used all the time. AND we shouldn't do anything reckless like what I did before.

Roger that, You said.

Don't worry about it, we'll go on our pace, Chika with a smile.

That's what I'm worried about, Riko said as they continue their conversation before going their separate ways.

[The Next Day]

I guess this won't do, Riko thought. I supposed that makes sense.

The Hyou was walking from the local supermarket, not to buy anything, but to look for something.

Because she lives in a seaside town, there was an abundance of seafood available, making them cheap to buy. On the other hand, meat from land animals was less common, so the prices were rather high. Even if she could find what she was looking for, with her current financial situation, she won't be able to buy the amount she need.

I wonder if I should go outside of Uchiura, Riko thought before someone chimes in.

Riko-chan, Riko-chan.

Hearing her name all of a sudden, Riko jumps and turns her head to see Kanan.

Kanan-san! what are you doing here? Riko said in a high shrill voice.

Just going for a run, Kanan said. The older girl was wearing dark green sweatpant and blue shirt. Are you looking for something?

How did you know? Riko said.

You seem lost and you came from the supermarket, Kanan said, pointing at the direction where she went to.

Riko remembers You telling her that Kanan knows about a lot about Uchiura and the ocean.

Actually, there was something I wanted to get, but I couldn't find it in town, Riko said.

If it's something that I could do, I will gladly help out, Kanan said with a smile.

I was hoping to buy some meat. Seafood is also fine, but I need to buy in bulk and I don't have the funds right now to buy them. Do you have any suggestions? Riko said.

Oh? If it's that, I happened to be friends with some of the fisherman and vendors that sell seafood. I can also catch them myself, Kanan said with confidence. Although, is there a reason for all that food? Are you throwing a dinner party?

I-It's not a party, but I have a guest coming and I wanted to make sure to prepare something good, Riko said with a nervous expression.

Well, just tell me when you need it and we will make the arrangements, Kanan said with a smile.

Really? Thank you, Kanan-san. Anyway, I need to get going. We'll talk later after school, Riko said.

The two parted ways and Riko returned to her home.

Ne, Riko-chan. What is that box you're carrying? Chika asked.

The energetic girl noticed the Hyou bringing it to school since this morning.

The thing is…

[Earlier this Morning]

What is that? Riko said.

While Riko was walking to school, she bumped into Chiba along the way. He was carrying a medium-sized brown box.

Riko. Just the girl I was looking, Chiba said with a smile. I was wondering If you can take this off my arms.

When the Ookami lowers the box to her view, a mixture of sweet smells reach her nose.

This is a care package that my family made and sent to me. Even though they know that I don't eat sweets, they still pack a bunch of it. Also, I can't have this while living with my companions. They get into pretty much everything and this wouldn't be good for them, Chiba said with a wry smile. Maybe you can give them to your friends.

Are you sure that's ok? Riko said as she took the box from the Ookami.

Think of it as my way of apologizing for what happened at the beach, Chiba said.

I guess he's not a bad person, You said.

The three girls were standing in their clubroom, looking into the box on the table.

Then, What are we waiting for? Let's see what's inside, Chika said as she starts grabbing randomly into the box.

Chika-san.

Hearing a familiar voice, the three turns to see the student council president entering their clubroom.

Dia-san what brings you here? Chika said as she turns her attention away from the box.

I came by to tell you that you need to turn in the paperwork for your club today, Dia said in a serious tone.

Even though the club was established as gratitude for the Hyou's efforts, they still had to follow the policies and rules of the school.

They previously decided for Chika to be the de-facto president of the club.

Oh! I will give to you by the end of the day. I promise, Chika said sheepishly while Riko and You stared blankly at her.

As long as you understand, Dia said.

Ne, Dia-san, You said. We got some sweets made from another country. Since you're here already, why don't you join us?

I appreciate the offer, but I have work back at the office, so I will excuse myself, Dia said as she turns around to walk towards the door.

If you say so, Chika said. Riko-chan, Can you see what's the box?

Hmmm. Let's see here. There seems to be chocolate, jellies. Oh, there's even some pudding, Riko said as she sorts out the items.

Hearing a certain word, Dia stopped short of the entrance.

The pudding Riko mentioned was yellow-colored semi-solid with a layer of brown on the side contained in a glass container in the shape of the flan.

If I recall, this is a recently popular item back in Mori, Riko said holding one of the cups in her hand.

I can see why. It seems to have a smooth texture and design of the container is unique, Dia said, inspecting the pudding.

Noticing the third-year's hovering presence, the three jump slightly away.

D-Dia-san. Could it be you want some? You said as the three look at her.

When Dia notices how close she was with the second-years, she took a step back and cleared her throat.

O-Of course not. I was just making an observation, Dia said.

Mou, Dia-san, You can have one if you like, Chika said.

….Is it really ok? Dia said.

We don't mind sharing, Riko said.

….If you insist, Dia said, accepting the gesture as she took the pudding from the Hyou.

Using the tab on the lid to peel open the container, Dia uses a wooden spoon that came with the pudding.

While the tasting was taking place, the second-years wait for the older girl's reaction.

Dia took a moment to look the morsel, its gelatinous-like form was wiggling slightly before putting in her mouth.

T-This is… Dia said as her eyes widen.

How is it? Chika said.

I have eaten pudding many times, but this is the first time tasting something so…. interesting, Dia said.

Her dry tone betrays the rosy cheeks as she took another bite. The second-years smile as they decide which they will take.

Sorry I'm late.

From the door, Yoshiko shows up, huffing as if she ran to the clubroom. I had some fallen angel business to take care of.

Yoshiko-chan! You're just in time. Riko-chan brought some sweets from her country, Chika said.

Chika-chan. Chiba-san was the one who gave it to me, Riko corrected.

It's Yohane! Wait. did you say sweets from Mori?! Yoshiko said.

Yoshiko drops off her bag on the floor and moves closer to the second-years.

Yeah. We have some macaroons, pudding, chocolate…. You said.

Chocolate?! Yoshiko said before Riko retrieves the chocolate, which was in the form a rectangle bar wrapped in a silver foil, from the box and shows it to the younger girl.

Swallowing her saliva in a gulp, Yoshiko hesitantly takes it from the Hyou and quickly rips away the foil to reveal a solid dark chocolate bar divided into smaller rectangles.

I never thought such a rare item would come from this ghost town and from another country no less, Yoshiko said, looking at the treat as if it was the Holy Grail.

Is chocolate really that rare? Riko said, seeing the dramatic scene.

Guuu. Because this town is so remote, there isn't many treats or entertainments that young maidens can enjoy. Maybe you could find some in the mainland, but even then it is not a common good, Yoshiko said begrudgingly.

That's unexpected, Riko said. I heard that the weather in Mizu have conditions needed for growing cocoa beans to make chocolate.

Oh. Maybe we can start growing chocolate at Uchiura, Chika said, wagging her tail excitedly. If chocolate is that rare in the country, that would bring money and fame to the town.

That won't work, Chika-chan, Riko said while shaking her head. I heard that it requires a lot of time, money, and work to make chocolate from the beans, which is not something high school girls could or should do.

Not to mention, growing cocca beans means that other crops like mikans cannot be grown at the same time, You said.

I'm sorry. Please forget what I said. Forgive me, Chika said while bowing her head on the table.

To propose such an operation that bring riches and more little demons, all the while striking against the bane to Yohane's existence, this fallen angel doesn't mind going along with this scheme. Ku,Ku,Ku, Yoshiko chuckled with a devious smile.

Eh? Yoshiko-chan, You don't like mikans? Chika said, lifting her head from her reflection.

Yohane! And Mikans are a deterrent against this fallen angel's reign. Yohane gladly accept offerings of chocolate and strawberries from her little demons, Yoshiko said, unwrapping the chocolate and taking a bite of it with a crunch and chewing slowly. This is… a perfect fusion of alluring richness with the utter bitterness that appeals to Yohane. As expected from another country for exceeding the normalcy.

In that case, then I will bring some mikans, so we can help overcome your distaste, Chika said.

You dare pick a fight against Yohane? Yoshiko said. That's fine with me. I will give you a taste of darkness from this fallen angel.

Chika-chan bring mikans for every occasion, You said.

Is that why she brought mikan to celebrate our clubroom? Riko said.

A small smile forms on Dia as she watches their playfulness before silently slipping away and returning back to the student council office with the pudding in her hand. When Mari and Kanan heard about the free sweets, they (playfully) chastise Dia for not getting them any, prompting them to head to the clubroom.

I can't believe the teacher is making us work over the summer, Chika complained.

The second years were heading to the library to write a report of their choice. Moreover, there were some leftover library books when they cleaned, so they are bringing it back to the library, killing two birds with one stone.

So what are you doing your report on, You-chan? Riko said.

I am deciding between the naval history or the unique clothing patterns of the town. What about you, Chika-chan? You said.

Obviously, mikans, a source of pride and joy in our town. What about Riko-chan? Chika said.

I was hoping to look at the natural history of Uchiura, Riko said.

Her father was a rocks and minerals enthusiast, so Riko was familiar with their appeal. Also, she wanted to learn more about the unique environment of Uchira.

When they entered the library...

Ono, excuse me, Chika said.

Yes. How may I help you, zura?

Sitting on the front desk was Kunikida Hanamaru, a first year and the student librarian.

She had chestnut-colored hair and yellow eyes, wearing a yellow cardigan on top of her school uniform. Behind her was a thick and fluffy tail with a slight curve. Riko had seen her whenever she went to the library.

We brought some library books that we found in a old room, Chika said as the placed them on the desk.

Ah, thank you, zura, Hanamaru said as she accepts the books.

Also, we are doing class reports and were wondering where we could find books related to our topics? Riko said.

It may take a few minutes, but I can bring books related to your topics for you, zura, Hanamaru said with a smile as she gets up from her desk.

After telling her their interests, they sat at a nearby table as the younger girl gradually bring out books one by one from different areas of the library. By the time Hanamaru was done, there were stacks of books around them.

I think I was able to get them all. I hope this will help, zura, Hanamaru said while using her hand to wipe off the tiny sweat on her forehead.

Wah, You said.

T-Thanks, Riko said.

Call me if you need any more help zura, Hanamaru said as she returns to the front desk.

Seeing the books before them, the three sigh and start to go through their respective books for their research.

As she flips through the page of a dark grayish green book, a picture caught the attention of the Hyou.

I wonder what kind of place this is, Riko said as she looks at a picture of an entrance to a cave surrounded by trees.

Oh! I know that place. If you go deeper into the forest in Uchiura, you will find an underground cave. I heard that those ruins have been for a long time, Chika said.

We went there one time during a school camping trip, You said.

Is that so? Riko said when she notices a picture of the ruins inside the cave. ?

The Hyou took the book and held it closer to get a better look.

On the walls of ruins were markings made of what looked like illuminating paint.

Hm? This looks familiar, but where…

While focusing intensely on the writings in the book…

Riko-chan? You said.

No Way! Riko shouted and stood up from her chair.

Riko's loud and sudden words makes the other girls flinch and look at her with concern.

What's wrong, Riko-chan?! Chika said.

Seeing the two Inu looking at her, she composed herself and sat back down.

I-I'm fine, I was just surprised, Riko said, with a small smile. However, the anxious look on her face differs from her words.

Chika looks at what the Hyou was focusing on.

Did you notice something weird about the ruins? Chika said.

Maybe. Ne, Chika-chan. Did you hear anything about the origins of the ruins? Riko said in a soft whispering voice.

From what we know, nobody knows who made them or what those markings on the wall mean, but it seems to be older than even our town, You said. Why do you ask, Riko-chan?

And why are you whispering just now? Chika said. Is it that serious?

….I think I know what they are, Riko said.

Eh? Both of the girls shouted, prompting Riko to shush them to cover their mouths.

But why are they here of all places, Riko said. That's what I don't understand.

W-Why do you think that? Chika said nervously.

Please tell us, Riko-chan, You said.

These markings…. I don't know their exact meaning, but I have seen it before, in an archaeological site back in my country, Riko said as she pointed at the picture. This is the ancient language of my home, the country of Mori.

Those words were the start of a great journey in a way that the three girls and the unsuspecting residents of Uchiura could not begin to understand.

I know jumping into intrigue is rather sudden since the last update, but what better way to kick start the series than a little mystery.

The next update will take longer than expected, so stay tuned.

Reviews, suggestions, and comments are welcomed.

Thank you.